The Temptations

Around the world, people recognize the Temptations for their sing-along hits, great style and fine choreography. To put it simply, they've had a huge impact on American soul, pop and R&B, and they continue to entertain us today.

The symphony has added a third show on Thursday thanks to the Temptations' greater-than-ever popularity.

The Temptations, as a band, originated in the Motor City of Detroit, but most of the original members grew up in places like Birmingham, Ala., and Texarkana, Texas. It was in Detroit that five talented singers came together and formed their illustrious group in the early 1960s.

They were signed by legendary producer Berry Gordy and released a number of successful singles. But a gold record eluded them for several years. It wasn't until 1964 and the song "The Way You Do the Things You Do" that they hit the big time. Their harmonies and rhythms were unique. Together, the Temptations created a sound that was their own.

From then on the hits kept coming. "My Girl" in 1965 was their first No. 1 one. I'll bet that you can sing the refrain -- and maybe the whole song -- from memory. It's still one of the best pop songs ever.

Following the success of "My Girl," it was solid gold. You've probably sung along to such Temptations hits as "Since I Lost My Baby," "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)," "You're My Everything," "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" and their duet with Diana Ross and the Supremes, "I'm Going to Make You Love Me." There are so many that I can't list them all here.

The Temptations were pioneers of Motown, which got its name from Gordy's record label, Motown Records. They were in excellent company with music legends Stevie Wonder, the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Martha and the Vandellas, and the Commodores. It's incredible to think how many music legends came out of chilly Detroit. No wonder the entire city was nicknamed Motown.

Concertgoers can look forward to lots of '60s hits at our concerts. We'll put the power of our great orchestra behind all those unforgettable Temptations melodies. The string section will have some romantic moments as we revisit the Temptations' love songs, and the horns will have a blast, so to speak, with pop songs.

Travel back in time to Motown's seminal era of the '60s and '70s -- and enjoy pop music's finest.

Matt Catingub conducts the Honolulu Symphony Pops. "Crescendo" appears on Monday before each concert in the symphony season to illuminate the works to be performed. E-mail comments to suggestions@honolulusymphony.com